What to do if you find a stray dog

If you find a stray dog, there’s a big chance that there is someone out there who is looking for it. Losing a dog is a stressful and upsetting time for any owner, and if you find a stray dog, there are things you can do to help make it easier for them to be reunited.

 So, here’s what to do if you find a stray dog

Try and secure the dog if safe to do so

If a dog is lost, there is a high chance that it might be scared or in distress, which could make it lash out. Try to speak calmly and approach with caution. Don’t try and corner it, but rather let it approach you. If it is displaying aggressive behaviour, you might need to call the council. If the dog is happy and friendly, try and restrain it as soon as you can. 

You also need to ensure you aren’t putting yourself in harm’s way. Please be careful when trying to catch a stray dog near busy roads and other hazardous environments. It can not only endanger you but the animal too. 

If the dog appears to be injured, please take the dog to the nearest vet immediately.

Check for ID

You may notice that the dog has a collar on, in which case you might be able to find a tag or contact number on it. If you do, try and contact the owner. Chances are they don’t even know their dog is missing. If you cannot find a contact number, or cannot reach the owner, you might need to take the dog to a vet, shelter or call the council.

Find a safe place to keep the dog

If you cannot keep the dog with you while you wait for the owner or the council to collect the dog, you can take the dog to a vet clinic. The clinic will have appropriate facilities to keep the dog and make sure it is healthy while waiting for the council to collect it. The owner may have already called the clinic to alert them of their lost dog, making the reuniting process a lot easier. 

Leave your details

It’s best practice when you find a stray dog, to leave your details with the vet or council so they can contact you in case they need more information about where you found it. The owner of the animal might also want to call you and thank you for your trouble. It’s best to let the vet or council know if you don’t mind them contacting you.

If you have fallen in love with the dog you found and are concerned that the owner might not be found, you can leave your details and let them know you are interested in adopting the dog. By law, the council or shelter must house animals for a minimum of eight days to provide an owner the opportunity to recover their pet.

If you find a stray dog, it is important that you do not keep it with you without alerting the council. Most dogs have microchips, which makes it easier than ever to reunite lost dogs with their owners.

If you’ve found a stray dog or have lost your dog, please contact us.

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